Tim Walz Won’t Run Again: 5 Things To Know If Amy Klobuchar Runs For Governor

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to not seek a third term has reshaped Minnesota’s political landscape, opening the door to one of the most consequential election cycles in years.

Walz announced Monday that he is stepping aside to focus on governing through the end of his term, a move that comes amid heightened national scrutiny of Minnesota’s handling of large-scale fraud cases and intensifying political pressure ahead of the 2026 election.

With Walz remaining in office through January 2027, attention now turns to who may seek to replace him, how both parties will choose their nominees, and what could happen if U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar enters the race.

Political insider Michael Brodkorb said multiple sources told him Klobuchar is "very likely" to run for governor and could announce her decision quickly. Brodkorb added that Democrats he spoke with believe a Klobuchar candidacy would unify and energize the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party ticket. The

If Klobuchar ultimately runs for governor and wins, Minnesota could also face a significant shift in its influence in Washington.

Klobuchar is the state's most influential lawmaker in Washington, and her departure would leave Minnesota represented by two junior senators, a change that could reduce the state’s clout in committee leadership and legislative negotiations.

Here are five key things to know about what happens next.

1. Tim Walz Will Remain Governor Until January 2027

Walz is not resigning. He will continue serving as governor through the end of his current term, which expires in January 2027. Because he is simply declining to run for reelection, there is no vacancy and no appointment process triggered for the governor’s office.

2. The 2026 Governor’s Race Is Now Open

With Walz stepping aside, both major parties will nominate new candidates for governor. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the Republican Party will begin that process at precinct caucuses on Feb. 3, followed by endorsement conventions and, if necessary, primary elections later in 2026.

3. Amy Klobuchar Can Run For Governor Without Giving Up Her Senate Seat

Klobuchar’s current U.S. Senate term runs through January 2029. Minnesota law does not require her to resign her Senate seat in order to run for governor. She would only vacate the seat if she wins the governor’s race and takes office in January 2027.

Klobuchar currently serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, a powerful post for a state with a large rural economy.

She has also built a reputation as one of the Senate’s most active bipartisan lawmakers.

4. If Klobuchar Vacates Her Senate Seat, A Temporary Appointment Comes First Under

Under Minnesota law, if a U.S. Senate vacancy occurs, the governor may appoint a temporary replacement. That appointee serves until a successor is elected and qualified through a special election.

Because Walz would still be governor if Klobuchar were elected in November 2026 and resigned her Senate seat, Walz would have the authority to make that temporary Senate appointment.

5. A Special Election Would Ultimately Decide The Senate Seat

State law requires that a U.S. Senate vacancy be filled by a special election for the remainder of the term, unless the vacancy occurs in the final year of the term.

The timing of that special election depends on when the vacancy occurs. If it happens at least 11 weeks before the regular state primary preceding a November election, the special election would be held that November, with a special primary beforehand. If it occurs closer to the election calendar, the vote would be delayed until the following November.

In short, a governor-appointed senator would serve temporarily, but Minnesota voters would ultimately decide who finishes the term.

With Walz stepping aside and potential high-profile candidates weighing their options, Minnesota is heading into a rare open-seat election cycle that could reshape both the governor’s office and the state’s long-term influence in Washington